Boating mecca regulations unfriendly

Sunday

Jan 1, 2006 at 4:31 AM

A story by Michael Braga appeared Monday in reference to a local developer and his frustrations getting needed permits to restore a dilapidated marina, which would offer a much-needed service to Sarasota-area boaters.

I have to salute any investor today who could easily turn his waterfront property into a highly profitable condominium site but elects to put a Band-Aid on a wonderful sport that, over the years, has brought thousands of investors who wanted to purchase homes in Sarasota so they could enjoy our waterways.

I have never met a boater who set out to damage or kill any animal who shares our water. The agency that protects these wonderful animals set standards and restrictions within our waterways to better protect them, posting warnings where necessary. Naturally, in the beginning of setting these standards and posting signage, there were some complaints on overkill. However, most boaters understood and obeyed the restrictions.

But why would a developer looking to improve or expand his marina facility be subjected to dealing with the Manatee Protection Plan on how many slips can be permitted? Evidently the idea is that the fewer boats, the longer the life span of manatees.

Boating is one of the state's most important recreational sports, contributing millions of dollars each year to its economy though fuel taxes and boat sales. A few of the world's most famous international yacht and boat builders are in Sarasota and Manatee counties: Chris Craft, Donzi and Wellcraft, for starters. Being a boat-building mecca provides jobs and economic benefits for our communities. Instead of being proud of this fact, it appears regulators want to curtail growth in an industry that we badly need.

By all means, let's save and protect the manatee, but let's save some waterfront properties to serve our boating community too.